Due to recent events, there are those that are screaming for more gun control and stricter background checks and so forth. I am amazed at how they think. Truly. I cannot understand how someone could believe that stricter background checks can possibly stop evil? DO they really think that criminals get their firearms legally? Seriously?

Lets look at Chicago: 2012 Chicago had over 500 gun related murders/deaths. Chicago (not to turn it political but that was Obama’s area when he was a senator) has some of the strictest gun laws around (aside from NY and DC). So, if you take the firearms out of the hands from those that are responsible and can legally carry, you end up with criminals that have the firearms and an empty-handed public that could never have a chance against an armed intruder or car-jacking, etc.

Solution: Taking away a persons 2nd Amendment rights is not the answer. Responsibility and honorable people in the political arena may be the answer. Honestly. I bet you can count on two hands the amount of congressmen and women that are honorable, honest and are actually trying to do good for and by others.

Making magazines (yes they are called magazines, not clips-clips go in a females hair) lower capacity would not stop someone from reloading. The media, in all of its glory, likes to throw the “information” out there to gain more ratings. It is apparent that all of the media is influenced from one side or the other. Where is the truth? The average person will watch the news or read it on the internet and take that as the only truth. What is not understood is that each media outlet puts their spin on the truth to try and influence the reader. Check it out, do the research and you will see this to be true.

I am pro-gun absolutely, in the right hands that is. I do not believe that everyone should own or carry firearms. I believe that everyone (to include law enforcement) should have the appropriate training for their environment or where/why they are carrying. Practicing on a range at a paper target once a week will not prepare someone to rapidly defend themselves against a gunman that enters their home and starts shooting-FACT. Caveat to that is: in an indoor range, on a paper target, with the correct instruction (and knowledgeable instructor) the shooter can increase their accuracy, speed and abilities to defend themselves in a rapid, self defense environment. Key words: Knowledgeable instructor, proper instruction).

Helpful (maybe some may think common sense) ideas:
If there is someone in the home that has a history of mental illness or possible mental problems: either don’t have any firearms present and get that person proper medical attention or have a lock-box or vault that no one but the firearm owner can access (key hidden, vault properly bolted to a stud in the wall, etc.).

Kids are curious and always will try to impress “the cool kids”. By that I mean, if you have kids in the home, ensure they are properly educated in trust and responsibility. Trust goes a long way and no parent wants to believe that they cannot trust their children but fact remains that even the most trusted child will eventually try to impress their friends. They will try to show off, steal, break into a safe/vault to show off the firearms, etc. Plan accordingly.

In a society that has removed the firearms from the people, criminals can thrive because they know that they will be the only ones that have bullet capabilities. It should be obvious but one would think that with the economy tanking and nothing of substance being accomplished in the first four years of obama’s presidency along with him accumulating more national debt of any other president, that the people would try and elect someone that can pull the US back up and level us off. How did that turn out? Well, we have obama for another 4 years. What is his platform? Take guns away (as he promised a foreign dignitary). Where is the sense? Fast and the furious: how many people have to die? who was held accountable? Who signed the line overall to make it a GO? Well, we will never know now because Eric Holder (who we know was involved) received an executive pardon by obama for his papers to stay buried and not investigated. Instant guilt being shown and no one takes it for action? WOW

So it is okay to put our sailors and soldiers into harms way for these people to stay in office and make 6 figures while our military makes less than adequate amounts to try and raise their families. IS that fair? My story is known but for those that don’t: 16 years naval special warfare, 2-parachuting accidents and medically discharged with nothing. I was given a severance amount that I have to pay back to the VA for disability. So what did I get for doing a job that most would not want to do? A broken body and constant fight with the VA. When trying to appeal to the Secretary of the Navy for medical retirement, what was his response? Same as politician that does not do the research: I back our Dr’s and the decision stays as is. This is despite the fact that the Air Force re-evaluated my case and recommended to the Secretary of the Navy that I was to be instantly retired! This is my thanks for ensuring our citizens freedom. Great.

Overall, a background check will not show someone’s evil intentions. The people that know those that say things like “I am going to do this or that” or “If I had a gun I would….” should absolutely turn those people in because no one knows what the others are capable of. Start holding the adults and children accountable for what they say or write on social networking sites. Ensure firearms instruction is available and it is available regardless where you live, you just have to look for it and be responsible with your firearm. If everyone holds true to this, more people will remain safe. But alas, our government has their own agenda.

Some states dont allow teachers to be armed. So what are those states doing about safety and awareness classes? After the VA TECH Shootings I personally sent all colleges in VA an offer to provide safety courses and classes to their staff. The answer back from the colleges: “We are good, we have security” “we have our own police dept. We are good”. I recently sent all of the school districts in Hampton Roads VA an email offering a FREE safety seminar to their teachers. How many have I heard back from? NONE as of yet.

This is the world we live in and there are not enough out there that care enough about our society to provide adequate instruction but worse than that…..the average person does not think that they need instruction on pistols or personal safety because “no one is breaking into my home now” and “nothing bad ever happens here” and it is because of that, that these people will become the victim and once a victim, always the victim….always!

Be safe and pursue education. What can it hurt? What can it save you from? Weigh the odds and jump in!

It does not matter how long you have been a shooter, or how long you have known about guns, practice is vital to enhance your abilities with your firearms. It is important to understand that practice does or can improve your fundamentals, speed and also accuracy. But how do you practice? What do you practice?

Most will go to an indoor range, hang a paper silhouette target, send it back a few feet and then proceed to shoot at the center of the target. Some “hot shots” will go for head shots, maybe to show off, maybe because they don’t quite understand that “IF” they happen to shoot down the target cable that allows each shooter to send their target back, they will then own that cable system and anything else that that range can charge you for. So…is it worth taking that chance?

I have seen some that go into the range, put their target onto the cable system and send the target all of the way to the back of the range. Some of these people were also attempting to teach their girlfriends how to shoot. How did it go? Poorly, every single time. Why?
-Not everyone should/could be an instructor
-Sending the target to the very back is not a realistic distance
-If you, yourself, do not know the fundamentals, how can you teach someone else?

Anyway, back to practice: what do you practice when you go to the range?
There are many courses of fire that can be used to increase speed and accuracy but practicing the fundamentals will also increase speed and accuracy. Accuracy above all else.

First recommendation:
-Use a small-caliber handgun
If you want to increase your skill, try using a .22 caliber pistol. The .22 is a great caliber because it has minimal recoil. If there is a deficiency with your grip, it will immediately show you on your target. Same thing goes with being steady, aim, control of the trigger/trigger pull, etc. Once you fine tune your skills with the .22 (which has very inexpensive ammunition) then move on to your firearm which you desire to better your skills. The .22 is a great warm up pistol.

It is wise to acknowledge that going to a range and shooting at a paper target at a set distance will not prepare you for an attack. There are many courses of fire that will, but many ranges limit the amount of movement that a shooter can accomplish while on their range (for liability reasons). It is important to have a desired end result before starting your shooting. Remember: a paper target will never shoot at you or attack.

Practice does mean more than once a year. Just because you have a good time and shoot well once does not mean you have finited your skill, hence the practice, practice, practice speech.

Remember also: there are good days on the range (everything goes smooth and you put the bullet exactly where you wanted to) and there are bad days (where everything goes somewhat wrong for you). Take each practice session as a new practice session and get what you can out of that session.

Even if you do not shoot your firearm(s), it is wise to clean and inspect them on a regular basis. The great thing about gun oil is that it can penetrate the metal and pull the carbon and dirt out. Because of this, the firearm does not have to be saturated in oil, even if it is going to be a long time before it is fired again.

When disassembling the firearm, ensure the area is protected and covered so none of the smaller parts and pieces get lost or fall away from the area. Once the firearm is disassembled, it is important to inspect the parts and pieces for burrs, chips, cracks or anything that may break or create damage to the firearm. Any problems spotted should be addressed immediately.

The cleaning of the firearm is important along with the storage location. Climate controlled is important but also a location devoid of any humidity to minimize rust. desiccant packets are possible to use but can be dangerous to pets if it breaks up open. The same danger applies to children as well.

Upon the completion of the cleaning and inspection, reassemble the firearm and then function check the firearm to ensure everything functions the way it should. Wiping a coat of oil over the firearm and removing the excess will keep the firearm protected while it is in storage (gun safe or gun locker….not a garage somewhere).

Even if the firearm is not used, it should be removed and inspected every once in a while to ensure it will function and no rust has accumulated on it. Your firearm is your investment in your security or your pleasure, either way you paid for it, it is wise to take care of it. Be Safe!

Many will have their opinion about gun ownership and politicians will continually attempt to support or go against guns and gun ownership, there are reasons for both sides. Some could say that some opinions go “over the top” with their efforts. I would have to say, as my opinion, that I would consider an “over the top” opinion and effort to be sneaking gun bans into congressional bills expecting the bill to get passed without noticing some new change to our already confined ownership. That would be “over the top” in my eyes.

I agree with some that state “guns should not be owned by some”, absolutely, but those some are those that purchase firearms only to commit crimes or to do bad things. How do you stop that type of ownership? No one will know, ever! There will always be a way to purchase firearms no matter where you are. I believe that not everyone should own, carry or fire a gun. Not everyone can safely handle a firearm but I am sure that even the most ignorant of owners would be able to tell you how a gun works, even in the most basic of terms.

Many purchase firearms because of what they look like. We all want a good looking firearm but I am talking about the “bling”. Some purchase a firearm just because of the way it looks and not because it suits their needs. Then, when they get to the range to try that firearm (if they even go to that extent) they find out that it does not work out for them more often than not. That is a waste of a good firearm.

Some will own firearms but never take a safety course. Then, when something happens, they blame the firearm. Last time I checked a firearm cannot fire itself, especially if that firearm is unloaded. Firearm accidents happen, mistakes happen but common sense could stop a lot of the accidents. Safety courses can provide many tools and tips that could keep an owner and their family safe.

A third-generation 9mm Glock 17 with a cable lock.

There exist people that believe that they have been shooting guns their entire lives so they do not need a firearm safety class. Once again, they have fired guns their whole life and never had a problem. Does that mean they have been doing everything correctly their whole life or that they have been lucky their whole life? Whatever the case, firearm safety and keeping the family safe along with being responsible could provide a safe and fun gun ownership.

A lot of the people that are taken to the range have been “scarred” previously because of past experiences:

Being forced to fire a large firearm
-Not being told what is going to happen
-Made to fear a firearm as a young child
-Made fun of when they fired a firearm they were not trained on and they dropped the firearm
-many, many more situations.

The anticipation of those people when they are on the range, getting ready to pull the trigger after a traumatic experience behind a firearm in the past, is large. Some almost get to the point where they start to shake or cry. It is up to the instructor at that moment in time to be there for their student! Coach them, be patient with them and be ready for anything in order to keep things safe on the range. The student may or may not pull the trigger on the first attempt, do not get frustrated at them because of this, have them stand next to you while you put a bullet into the target. The sound is the biggest deterrent to scared shooters.

It has been noticed on numerous occasions where there were two people on the range and there were pieces of that range (ceiling) shattering everywhere. A definite sign of bad things. Then, upon listening to the “helper” of that person explain things, it was realized that that person really had no idea how to fire safely either. Then the target system crashed to the ground in their lane because the shooter that knew not what they were doing managed to shoot the cable system down and break it completely.

Having a gun does not make someone a shooter, shooting a gun does not make someone a marksman and owning and firing a gun does not make someone a tough guy or gal. Some people are more of a danger to themselves then they are to anyone else. Having that person in existence makes me worry about my own safety when out in town. I carry for self protection: to protect my family and myself. I would only use it as a last resort and in an imminent danger situation not just a dangerous situation.

Firearms may produce the same end result but each and every firearm is different in their own way and not every firearm can be used effectively by everyone. This is why it is recommended to search and research to find a firearm that fits your need and your budget and then to rent it out in town at an indoor/outdoor range. Renting it saves the person from buying a firearm that they cannot use. If it works well for them and meets all of the criteria then it could be a safe buy, if it does not, then that person knows right then and there.

Not everyone should own a firearm, not everyone should fire a firearm and not everyone own firearms that are legal. Criminals do not register their firearms. If, in fact, laws were passed that gun ownership was illegal, then the law abiding citizens would have to give up their firearms while the criminals would not (as I am sure they would not suddenly gain a conscience and turn theirs in). Making the right decisions, gaining the education and experience behind a firearm and being a responsible owner and user of firearms is a wonderful thing and can bring about many years of security, protection and fun times.

Being safe is always the number one concern of firearm ownership and not listening to others when they tell you “you should not carry a gun, it is dangerous”, “guns kill people every day, do you want that on your conscience?” or “You don’t know how to use a firearm and are going to hurt someone” is vital to be confident in your decision. There are many firearm safety courses that exist and many courses that also promote “women only” courses so the women become more comfortable without worrying about any men in the class. Research courses in your area, then research the bio of the instructors to ensure you are getting the best possible training and then commit to that training.

Once a safety course is accomplished, shooting lessons can follow as well. Shooting at a target at a set distance is fun and many people/gun owners have guns for just that reason. Others purchase firearms for home safety/protection reasons. Whatever the reason, shooting lessons are always a plus and can enhance the shooters knowledge, proficiency and confidence behind their own firearm. Search now and get to know your firearm today!

Looking at the statistics in my own area, I cannot understand why it is that no one is scrambling to find the closest personal safety class in the area. I am actually baffled. It is sad to say but most people really do not become concerned about personal safety until something is actually happening to them. Then, at that point, they become the victim and once that occurs they will always have that fear that it will occur again.

By attending a safety course, society would be able to hear other options that they may have never heard about in the past. Maybe, just maybe, someone else in the class has a story that everyone or even just someone could relate to and ideas could be exchanged. But, once again, most do not become concerned until something happens to them.

Let’s ask ourselves a question: How would I feel if I could get an education on how to properly safeguard my family and belongings but do not pursue it….and then something happens to my family because of a threat? Would I be able to look at myself in the mirror after that? The answer for me would be a NO! I would not be able to look at myself in the mirror without becoming sick to my stomach.

Typical Thought Process: When someone enters their home the reality of everything outside of that house becomes nonexistent. Not to say that the occupants are oblivious to the world, just that they are comforted by being inside their home, their safe haven and their property. The last thing on anyone’s mind is that someone, at any time, could kick in that door and threaten the occupants.

Because of the comforting thought of being inside the home, the occupants become vulnerable and susceptible to threats that decide that their house is next. If/when a threat or threats kick in the door and waves a weapon around, the occupants will most likely freeze in their spots. Threats gamble on it and usually win. Most will freeze in place while trying to process the immediate traumatic occurrence that just happened. That’s all the threat needs.

There are many, low cost/no cost ways to safeguard your home and family and seeking out this information could save the lives of those you hold dear. Research those in your area to find legitimate instructors of these courses that have the credentials to teach the information at an affordable cost. By thinking you are prepared for an event that you have not experienced before without properly being educated about it, only makes for an ignorant victim but a victim nonetheless.

Chain of events: Once someone experiences a home invasion or worse, the likely path that is taken is a knee-jerk reaction. One such reaction is the person would run out to a gun store or sports store and attempt to purchase a gun. Depending on the store and the person behind the counter, that person could very well leave that store with a gun that they would never be able to fire accurately, at anything. Unfortunately there are plenty of those stores in existence.

SHOTGUN: I have heard numerous people brag about their shotgun for home protection. The shotgun is an excellent gun to have for home protection: has an intimidating sound when the shell is chambered (one that most would be able to identify from a great distance) and has a short impact distance. This makes it great for close-in, close quarters situations. That does not mean that everyone would be confident in their abilities with that gun or able to hit anything with it when it is fired.

Remington 1100 Tactical Shotgun with 8 rounds in 12 gauge

REVOLVER: A revolver used to be “old faithful” next to most beds or under pillows in the event someone was to break into their home in the middle of the night. Once again, great design and easy to use, but not for everyone. The revolver is compact and comes in different calibers and sizes but has a limited amount of ammunition loaded into it. This is a downfall for the revolver. Then again, should you need more than 6 bullets against someone that just invaded your home? Maybe, maybe not.

SEMI-AUTOMATIC: This is a popular choice because of the spare magazines and stopping power. Different calibers are available along with different sizes and different prices. Depending on where someone was to purchase their firearm would also depend on the prices and quality of guns.

Ammunition will cost and depending on the caliber, it may cost a lot! Some ammunition is expensive and some are not. You can achieve great practice with cheap ammunition and have the good ammunition saved for at home or carry options. Having expensive ammunition to practice with is throwing money away on the range. It is important to actually fire the ammunition you intend to carry a couple of times to see how the firearm operates with the ammunition. This will help overall confidence in the firearm/ammunition.

TRUST: Bring a trusted friend or coworker with you when you are looking at firearms. I was in a sports shop looking at holsters when I heard the person behind the desk trying to convince the woman he was speaking to that she needed a pink handled revolver. I was appalled at the fact that the man was trying to lure the female into purchasing a pink gun because she was a female.

As the conversation went on, the female was unsure of what she wanted and the man behind the counter turned to her husband and said “you know what I am talking about with this gun right?” and her husband said “I don’t know anything about guns at all”. Bad move. Then the shark started to circle the bodies. The salesman grabbed a shotgun off of the rack and was going on about how easy it was to fire, that “even his wife could handle it”, referring to the woman right in front of him. This was the point where my wife recognized that I was pretty angry and decided to pull me away from the area.

The woman did not purchase anything right then, thankfully and I “lingered” around the area because I wanted to give the woman and her husband my card to let them know that I would give them free consultation regarding firearms and home defense options.

The salesman was just that “someone that was JUST trying to make a sale”. He did not show any compassion towards what they were looking for or what they needed, nor was he concerned about price for them. They exist and sad to say, they exist everywhere.

Attend a firearms safety course that allows you to fire a pistol or two. Learn the safety aspects to the firearm and then rent a different firearm, one that you are interested in because of its size, weight or caliber. Shoot that firearm and decide if that is what you truly want.

Once you have found the firearm that fits you and you decide you can shoot it well, then it would be time to look for the firearm to purchase. There are many locations that firearms can be purchased: from the local range, pawn shops and online sites. Price shop and decide and purchase.

It does not matter whether you are man, woman, tall, short, fat or skinny, there are people out there that will exploit you for not knowing everything there is to know about whatever you are attempting to inquire about or purchase. If you bring someone along that knows about the item, you are less likely going to be taken for a ride.

Just like the ignorance in the past: a woman may get charged an extra amount for car repairs than a man because it is “assumed” that a woman would not know the difference. Those times are long gone but there are some that do not know enough to “not” get caught up in the scam. Be proactive about your safety and your protection items. Become educated, do your research and purchase what is right for you.